Am I correct in assuming you can use this on a Deep Fly and that the pitcher loses the click when he uses this ability wether he succeed or not?

Excellent question. Based on the current wording of the Intangibles list, I would technically say "no" since the only exception to a standard FB or GB they mention is a Scorcher.

My assumption is also based on the fact that deep fly balls were originally flagged as "DF" instead of "FB" with a colored background. I don't know if the Intangible was retroactively edited to reflect that.

I believe the original intention was that scorchers and regular outs could be changed, but I definitely see that with the new updates and revisions that Deep Fly results should be included in the results a Flamethrower could effect.

That seems like it'd make flamethrower a little too powerful. Instead of a Red Deep Fly a guy gets struck out instead. That just doesn't seem balanced.

Yeah, the DF convesion to FB for Deep Fly Balls did not trigger an update to the wording of the Flamethrower intangible. The intention was that it could only change a FB or GB result, or a Scorched FB or Scorched GB result.

This is my interpretation of it now, if you are playing the advanced rules. A Green FB is not a Fly Ball -- it is a Green Deep Fly, therefore Flamethrower does not affect it.

A Green FB/Green Deep Fly is only a "standard" FB result if you're playing the beginner's rules where you ignore all the colors involved.

I think you both misread his question. What he is asking is if the flamethrower attempt fails because or a bad roll, do you still take a click down.

The way I'm reading the rules, I would have to answer yes.

No, they didn't misread his question, they only answered the first part of it. :)

The way I have been ruling it is that whenever a pitcher declares he is using the Flamethrower ability, he loses a click of performance, whether or not the ability is successful. I have the player click the pitcher before he rolls to make sure he takes the click.

As for the debate whether or not the ability can affect Deep Flys, I am going to rule "no", until told otherwise. However, I believe that Flamethrower should not be able to affect Deep Flys anyways.

I would have to agree with go'stros on this one.

That is the way I have been using it.

Not letting Flamethrower affect Deep Flys renders it largely useless, however. Sure there may be the occasional situation where you *really* don't want that scorcher to fail, but you'll be lucky (or unlucky given the situations where it would be useful) if you get one good chance to use it per game. If it didn't cost a click to use, it would still be good. As it stands, it's only of marginal use.

Comparatively, Specialist is better by leaps and bounds. +1 to all defensive values against the right batters is wicked strong. Maybe that's why Dontrelle clocks in at 130+ points =)

Now, if there was a pitcher with Leadership in his last couple clicks, you could bet your hide he'd see some play.

I still feel that the Flamethrower intangible is quite useful. It's perfect for trying to finish off the 1-2-3 inning if you've got a scorcher hit to a weak defender. The reason the ability doesn't seem useful is because it's more for assisting weak fielders, and most seem to construct strong defensive teams. Putting some more 4 def on w/ more offensive power combined w/ a pitcher w/ a healthy amount of Flamethrower would be a potent combo (as well as a nice change of pace for teams)

But if you use Flamethrower to ensure the 3 up 3 down, you're losing a click to *maybe* get a click. That's not exactly a wise investment.

Its not about the clicks.. It is about getting out of the inning without giving anything up.

Flamethrower is an optional ability.The rulebook says that you can decide to use it after an at-bat result is determined, but before the play resolves.Maybe I have this wrong but doesn't that mean you can check to see if it's DF vs FB before you decide to use the ability and take the click.

This will be seen once the chat transcript is posted, but it was confirmed that the Flamethrower does not affect Deep Flys by Wizkids.